Top Gun Movies: Release Order
The Top Gun franchise follows the legendary Navy pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell through his career at the elite Fighter Weapons School. The 1986 original became a cultural phenomenon with its thrilling aerial sequences, iconic soundtrack, and portrayal of cocky fighter pilots pushing their limits, making it one of the most influential military action films of all time.
This watch list presents both films in release order, which matches the chronological timeline. The long-awaited 2022 sequel picks up thirty-six years later, with Maverick returning to Top Gun as an instructor to train a new generation of pilots, including the son of his late best friend. The phenomenal sequel was met with even greater critical acclaim than the original.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Top Gun
For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
Top Gun: Maverick
After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell finds himself training a detachment of TOP GUN graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen.
Other Film Series
Death Wish
An architect turned vigilante seeks justice after criminals attack his family in this urban crime thriller series.
Florence Pugh
An acclaimed English actress known for her fearless performances in independent dramas and major studio films.
Ip Man
A martial arts franchise inspired by the real-life Wing Chun grandmaster who taught Bruce Lee, featuring multiple interpretations and timelines of his legendary story.
Multiple Perspectives
Films that tell the same story through different characters' viewpoints, exploring how perspective shapes truth and memory.
The Punisher
Three completely separate reboot films featuring Frank Castle's vigilante crusade, each with different actors, settings, and interpretations of the character.
Zoe Saldaña
Accomplished actress who became a sci-fi franchise icon through starring roles in Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy while maintaining a diverse career across multiple genres.